Phoenix PD: Driver who Killed Officer was Going Twice Posted Speed

Phoenix Police Officer Ginaro New was responding to a call in May when he was struck by another vehicle after running a red light at a high speed.

Nov. 16, 2021

A driver who ran a red light and fatally struck a Phoenix police officer's cruiser in May was going over twice the speed limit, according to authorities, who released new details about the incident.

Officer Ginarro New was responding to a call May 31 when he was struck by another vehicle—driven by Christopher Castro—after running a red light, KNXV-TV reports. The crash's impact sent New's unit into a brick wall, and he was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

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According to a department spokeswoman, Castro, who also died in the accident, reached 91 mph, over twice the posted speed. He also had a blood-alcohol content of 0.223, nearly three times the legal limit.

The collision was one of at least 38 fatal red-light running accidents in Arizona this year.